Accelerating the Success & Economic Impact of Minority-led Startups
Vertical404 is an Atlanta-based success hub for Black & Latinx entrepreneurs. We provide founders of color with the education, mentorship, network, and capital required to lead companies that drive economic and generational impact.
We’ve cultivated an ecosystem that addresses the unique challenges founders of color face – while also guiding them through the process of building high-growth companies.
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Cohort #1, March 2020 >> *Accepting Applications December 6th, 2019*
Driving Change
Numbers Never Lie
As of 2015, Black and Latinx entrepreneurs account for 22% of all entrepreneurs in the U.S. but reported combined revenue of less than 2% of national consumer purchasing power.
Less than 1% of venture capital in the U.S. is given to minority-led startups annually.
Roughly One Million potentially successful entrepreneurs of color are being held back because of low levels of family wealth, lack of experience running a business, and low levels of education.
Source: The Case Foundation & Center for Global Policy Solutions
We’re transmuting these stats via initiatives that position Black & Latinx founders with the ability to create venture ready startups.
Meet Our Team
Antoine is a founding partner and Managing Director of Vertical404. He is responsible for the strategic direction and continued growth of the company's programs & initiatives. He leads in helping the Southeasts most promising startups scale their companies and create entrepreneurial support that provides transformational opportunities in communities of color.
Antoine holds a BSc CIS from Middle Tennessee State University and is a respected Brand Strategy thought leader.
Charlton is a Founding Partner & Director of Partnerships at Vertical404. He currently leads a team that runs the core operation of Vertical404’s accelerator program – helping scale and fund startups that are also creating transformative opportunities within Black & Latinx communities. His mission is to continue the growth & impact of the Southeastern entrepreneurial ecosystem by leveraging social capital, activating nascent networks, and broadening existing networks.
Charlton holds a B.Arch. from Southern Polytechnic State University and is a distinguished leader in the Atlanta startup ecosystem.
Our Partners
